The National Wine
UnClub
Newsletter
November/December 2008
Breathe!
With the current disaster we're seeing in the world's financial markets it's hard to believe that things will ever be the same again. Fear has spread like wildfire and Wall Street seems to be scurrying for cover as the sky is falling. The future looks dark according to the economic wizards who have all lost their magical powers to save us from ourselves.
Where do we go from here? Can a new president fix the mess or just be saddled with the seemingly insurmountable issues of our time? Our response to the challenges of life in this complex modern world have caused us severe and unrelenting anxiety. Who's to blame? Where do we turn for solace and comforting reassurances that all will be well?
As I look out my window while writing this newsletter I see a gorgeously beautiful day unfolding, temperatures in the 70s and a light, cool breeze rustling the rust-colored leaves; a scene of serenity and natural glory. No sky falling here; just those lovely leaves reflecting golden rays of sunshine.
I don't mean to trivialize the problems we're facing in today's world; I feel these things as intensely as all of you. It's just that it seems fear and bad news feeds on itself and the more we worry the worse things become. I suppose what I'm advocating here is that we all take a moment to be thankful for what we do have in this grand old country; it's not perfect by any means but it's better than we might think.
This is the time of year to count our blessings with Thanksgiving and Christmas in the offing. Perhaps we will celebrate these holidays more modestly with pinched stock portfolios but who among us will not be planning a special dinner among friends and family this year despite bad economic forecasts?
One of the more rewarding tasks I have in the wine business is helping people plan for their special events, particularly elegant dinner parties where fine wines are desired. As the numbers go up for such events the dollar per bottle price becomes more and more an important consideration. So it's not uncommon that a party of four will serve a pedigree label like Duckhorn Merlot or Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, whereas if the party is for 12 people the sensible choice is usually something less expensive, but no less satisfying (substituting lesser known labels like Robert Hall of Paso Robles or Amici from Napa for instance).
Smart buyers of fine wine are always looking for value alternatives to their favorite big-name labels. My mantra when showing wine enthusiasts these lesser known wines is: "that for every well-known, popular brand there are at least six other brands that are as good or better for considerably less money!" I truly believe my own statement here and actively seek these wines to show my clientele.
I'm increasingly impressed with wines coming out of South America and the quality/price ratio represented by these wines is a remarkable bargain in today's wine market where the price of European wines has jumped alarmingly due to a weak US dollar. For wines in the $20 and under class there is no better value than the wines of Chile and Argentina. Australia should not be forgotten either when considering the wines of the southern hemisphere.
Any savvy wine merchant is going to wisely stock up on these and other value wines of the world to take care of their customers who aren't ready to forsake the joyous holiday celebrations ahead. To scale back our extravagances and focus on the true meaning of these family-oriented gatherings is a "good thing" as Martha Stewart used to say!
Cheers!
Donald W. White